​With the help of innovative technology, Bronner Bros. will be offering an exclusive digital experience designed to meet the needs of the multicultural beauty industry. The core of the virtual BB Show will be education and networking between stylists and brands. Other features include the opportunity to:

Connect: A digital marketplace will be available to exhibitors and buyers, where they can preview live demos of new products and services for sale

Elevate: Advanced educational classes on cut, color, weaves, natural haircare and other techniques, all presented by leading master instructors

Learn: A series of webinars on topics such as financial health, how to safely re-open your salon or barbershop, how to disaster proof your business, and maintaining your health behind-the-chair

Showcase: A hallmark of BB Shows, competitions will be live-streamed in an exciting and fun display of the industry’s top talent

COVID-19 has had a particularly devastating impact on the Black beauty industry. Multicultural barbers and stylists represent nearly 25% of all cosmetology professionals in the US and contribute to the textured haircare category’s estimated annual economic impact of $2.51 billion. According to a 2019 Nielsen Report, African Americans also account for nearly 86% of the total spend in the ethnic hair and beauty aids category.

​“If my father, Nathaniel Bronner, Sr., was here, he would challenge us to find a way to maximize this moment. So, the Show must go on,” said James Bronner, SVP of Show Operations. “Our goal is to help the Black beauty industry stay inspired, engaged, and educated. We have faced challenges before, and there is no doubt that we will come out of this better and stronger—because we’re in this together.”

READERS OF THIS ARTICLE ALSO ENJOYED

​​As many states prepare to reopen over the next month, Bronner Bros. wants to aid you in keeping you and your clients safe. Many beauty professionals are having difficulty finding hand sanitizer in their area. That's why Bronner Bros has used their decades of manufacturing experience to help this need.

​​Atlanta, GA --- Join Hammonds House Digital for An Evening withjessica Care moore. She will read poetry from her new book, We Want Our Bodies Back, and engage in conversation with Hammonds House Executive Director Leatrice Ellzy Wright on Friday, May 29 at 7 pm. Tickets to this virtual event are free, but an RSVP is required. Register HERE.

​Reflecting her transcendent electric voice, We Want Our Bodies Back is a searing poetry collection filled with moving, original stanzas that speak to both Black women’s creative and intellectual power, and express the pain, sadness, and anger of those who suffer constant scrutiny because of their gender and race. Fierce and passionate, moore argues that Black women spend their lives building a physical and emotional shelter to protect themselves from misogyny, criminalization, hatred, stereotypes, sexual assault, objectification, patriarchy, and death threats. We Want Our Bodies Back is an exploration—and defiant stance against—these many attacks. You can purchase copies of the book HERE from Charis Books & More.Hammonds House Museum is generously supported by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, Fulton County Arts and Culture, and the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs.

Based on an abundance of caution due to the coronavirus pandemic and keeping the public’s safety as a top priority, the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs has decided to postpone the 43rd annual Atlanta Jazz Festival previously scheduled for Memorial Day Weekend, May 23 – 24. Organizers are currently exploring alternative dates to hold the festival in 2020.

​“This was a very challenging decision as the Atlanta Jazz Festival is a time honored and treasured tradition,” said OCA Executive Director Camille Love. “

And while Memorial Day weekend falls beyond the shelter-in-place timeframe, large gatherings are still being discouraged. With 150,000 attendees typically attending our event in Piedmont Park, we thought it best to find other dates later this year,” she added.

​Other festival programming has also been affected by the postponement, including canceling the May 22 India.Arie concert and the May 23 Late Night Jazz Jam, featuring the Irreversible Entanglements.

On a brighter note, the OCA is creating a new program called “Atlanta Jazz Festival Sessions,” which will not only celebrate the 31 Days of Jazz in May, but also give a specially-curated list of Atlanta jazz artists the opportunity to perform virtually for thousands of viewers via the Atlanta Jazz Festival social media platforms. More details will be provided soon.

​The French Quarter Festival is the largest showcase of Louisiana music in the world. More than 20 stages throughout the French Quarter celebrate local music and represents various genres from traditional and contemporary jazz to R&B, New Orleans funk, folk, gospel, Latin, Zydeco, Cajun, cabaret, and more.

​Atlanta will celebrate family, fitness and the Founding Fathers this fall as the AJC Peachtree Road Race moves from the Fourth of July to Thanksgiving Day in 2020. The 51st Running of the Peachtree will take place on Thursday, November 26, Atlanta Track Club announced today. It marks the first time in the event’s history that it will not be held on July 4.

“As Atlanta and the nation continue to take precautions to slow and stop the spread of COVID-19, we understand that Peachtree participants, volunteers, medical staff and the other first responders who keep them safe need more time to prepare for this year’s race,” said Rich Kenah, race director of the Peachtree and Atlanta Track Club’s executive director. “We are thankful for the opportunity to move forward together with all of Atlanta on Thanksgiving Day in a responsible and safe format.” ​

More than 45,000 people have already registered for this year’s AJC Peachtree Road Race. All confirmed participants will remain registered with no further action needed. Current registrants will also have the option to complete the race virtually, move their entry to 2021 at no charge, transfer to a new participant, donate their registration fee to Atlanta Track Club’s community initiatives or receive a refund. A full list of options can be found here.

​Additionally, Atlanta Track Club plans to reopen registration for the Peachtree on August 31 –September 6 for members of the Club. For non-members it will open September 7 and will close on September 13 or when the event reaches capacity. Kilometer Kids Charity entries will remain open throughout the spring and summer.

​The Club also announced efforts to plan and implement new safety measures at this year’s race including fewer participants on each start line, longer separation between waves, reimagining hydration stations and working with MARTA to get people to and from the event.

“As it has been for 55 years, health and safety is Atlanta Track Club's top priority. COVID-19 has pushed us to review our best practices and protocols in the areas of event and program safety,” Kenah said. “As this situation evolves and changes, we will make decisions based on the advice and information the Club receives from health experts.”

​Participants who chose to pick up their numbers in person will be able to do so at the Peachtree Health & Fitness Expo on November 23, 24 and 25 at the Georgia World Congress Center. This year’s Peachtree Junior for children ages 14 & under will be held on Friday, November 27. Registration is open now.

​The AJC Peachtree Road Race will replace the Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, 5K, Mile and Dash, which will be canceled for 2020. The Triple Peach Series presented by Mizuno will instead include the Publix Atlanta Half Marathon on February 28, 2021. Those registered for the Triple Peach will be automatically registered unless a refund is requested

within the Fifth + Broadway development. Now that the lease has been signed, the exhibit build-out can begin with the expectation ofopening in the summer of 2020.

​“I’d like to thank Mayor Briley for his continued support of the museum throughout the fundraising and construction process,” Hicks said. “This is an important moment for our museum and this city, when we take the next step in fulfilling a musical legacy that began centuries ago. Today marks the day the long-held dream of NMAAM begins to become a reality, and now we can begin to build what will be a jewel in the crown for Music City. The work starts today.”

​“With this lease, Nashville demonstrates its commitment to this museum and lets the world knowthat, when we say ‘Music City,’ we mean all kinds of music,” Briley said. “NMAAM will be anincredible attraction and will tell the important story of African American music in our city andbeyond. This is the culmination of years of organization, hard work and planning from city andbusiness leaders alike. I’m honored to have played a role in helping make this a reality for ourcity, and I can’t wait for all Nashvillians to experience it.”

​Turkey’s Emrah Kotan leads the December showcase of Atlanta's first ever monthly cultural exchange event featuring Top International Artists based in Georgia, presented by Cultural Ambassador and America's Songbird of the South Myrna Clayton along with CedarTree Worldwide Productions.

​Mbodyment Underground Radio of X360 FM presents The Indie Artist Xposed ATL '2020 CELEBRATION' for the Artists, Bands & Spoken Word of ALL genres. Bring Your Merchandise & Business Cards.C﻿ome out and enioy good music, good vibes, good food and networking!

​A﻿NNOUNCEMENT: Overflow parking is available at Wender's Pharmacy, Roswell Presbyterian Church, Sherwin Williams, and Green Basement Remodeling. Parking at CVS will be at risk of being towed/ticketed.

Maureen Guest (X360FM) and Jermaine Sain (When We Speak TV)

​Holidays around the worldDecember 26, 2019 - Jan. 12, 2020Winter Wonderland celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, and other holidays with twinkling lights and trees hung with ornaments and cultural objects at Fernbank Museum of Natural History.Closed on Christmas.

New Year’s weekend comedyDecember 27 - 28, 2019Spend the last weekend of the year laughing with headliner Mia Jackson plus comics Keno Trice, Blaire Erskine, and host Katie Causey at New Year’s Eve at the Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville.Discount tickets

Football: Peach BowlDecember 28, 2019Watch an exciting college football playoff at this year’s Peach Bowl in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

New Year’s Eve - WestinDecember 31, 2019 (8:30 p.m.)Atlanta NYElectric has four DJs playing house & top 40 hits, plus an open bar at the Westin Peachtree Plaza for age 21+.

New Year’s Eve - downtownDecember 31, 2019 (8 p.m.)Dress up to enjoy an open bar, an early-evening mini buffet, DJ music, and a midnight champagne toast at Downtown Countdown at Southern Exchange Ballrooms for age 21+.

New Year’s Eve at the aquariumDecember 31, 2019 (8:30 p.m., VIP 7:30)Celebrate among sharks, sea otters, and penguins at the New Year’s Celebration: Splashing ‘20s, with live music in the ballroom, a DJ in the main aquarium, a dinner buffet, late-night snacks, and a champagne toast at midnight in the Georgia Aquarium for age 21+.

​New Year’s Eve - beer bashDecember 31, 2019 (8:30 p.m.)A ticket to Brew Year’s Eve includes an open beer bar at Georgia Freight Depot, with DJ music and a midnight toast for age 21+.Discount tickets

​New Year’s Eve - improvDecember 31, 2019 (7 & 10 p.m.)Celebrate the new year with “a cavalcade of the best sketches, songs, and improv teams” and a complimentary glass of champagne during New Year’s Eve Shizzazzle at Dad’s Garage.

New Year’s Eve - beer bashDecember 31, 2019 (7 p.m.)A ticket to New Year’s Eve at New Realm includes live music in the taproom, a DJ in the heated dance party tent, rooftop views of fireworks, a food buffet, and an open beer bar until midnight at New Realm Brewing.

New Year’s Eve - beer bashDecember 31, 2019 (9 p.m.)Your ticket to New Beer’s Eve includes an appetizer buffet, beer, wine, and live music at Front Page News (and Tijuana Garage next door) on Moreland Avenue.

New Year’s Eve - BuckheadDecember 31, 2019 (8:30 p.m.)New Year’s Eve includes an early buffet, open bar, and champagne toast at Buckhead Saloon for age 21+.

New Year’s Eve - MeridienDecember 31, 2019 (6 p.m.)New Year's Eve Soiree promises a sophisticated evening with dinner and jazz until 10 p.m., then DJ music and dancing until 2 a.m. The dinner is optional.

Holy New Year’s EveDecember 31, 2019 (8 p.m.)Christian New Year’s Eve Gala is a formal event with “Christian fellowship, dinner, music, and worship to honor our Lord as we enter into 2020” at First Baptist Church in Tucker for age 30+. Buy tickets online.

New Year’s Eve - comedyDecember 31, 2019 (7:30 p.m.)Laugh your way into the new year at the New Year’s Eve show at Atlanta Comedy Theater in Norcross. Dinner is optional.

New Year’s Eve with knightsDecember 31, 2019Ring in the New Year with the lords and ladies of Medieval Times. Ticket includes admission to the Museum of Torture, a two-hour live tournament, a four-course meal, party favors, DJ dancing, and champagne at midnight (or kids’ beverage) in Lawrenceville.​Discount tickets

As they continue their 40th Anniversary Celebration this fall, Fulton County Arts & Culture is presenting a fabulous photography collection and inviting Fulton County families to pose for their very own portraits. From October 30 through November 14, visitors to the Southwest Arts Center Gallery will enjoy an exhibition of striking photos by renowned photographer Thomas Dorsey entitled Family: Pride, Dignity and Togethernessfeaturing notable Atlanta families including those of Andrew Young, Hank Aaron, Ed Spriggs and Marvin Arrington, Sr. In association with the Dorsey exhibition, during October and November, families from Fulton County can participate in Fulton Families Photo Days at six events across the county. Admission is free for the Dorsey exhibition and the photos events. ​

​“We believe the arts are essential to the social, spiritual, and intellectual health of our communities,” states Lionell Thomas, Director of Fulton County Arts & Culture. “We’re honoring the legacy of renowned family portrait photographer Thomas Dorsey with an exhibition of his work, and we are celebrating the beauty and diversity of our own Fulton County family by inviting residents to have their portrait taken. We hope they enjoy the art and come celebrate with us!”

Carolyn & Tom Dorsey family (Photo Credit: Thomas Dorsey)

Rosemary & Don Jackson family (Photo Credit: Thomas Dorsey)

Thomas Dorsey exhibition Family: Pride, Dignity and Togetherness

There will be an Opening Reception on Wednesday, October 30 from 6-9 pm, and the exhibition will be on view through November 14 at the gallery at Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road SW, Atlanta, GA 30331. The gallery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission to the exhibition is free.

Thomas Dorsey was born in Augusta, GA, but grew up in Chicago, IL. After a four-year stint in the Air Force, he worked at the Post Office for a decade. Then he became interested in art and pursued a degree in Fine Art from the Art Institute of Chicago. He fell in love with photography which led him to start a business with his wife centered on family portraiture. During the next 32 years he made a name for himself beginning in Chicago, and then in Atlanta, by taking photos of families in their homes. The Family: Pride, Dignity and Togetherness exhibition showcases selected photos of prominent African American families from Fulton County and Chicago taken between 1978 and 2002.

“I cannot say how one should view these images, but the title reflects the positive potential of the human spirit I saw every time I was given the opportunity to trip the shutter!” - Thomas Dorsey

Vivian & Mack Jones family (Photo Credit: Thomas Dorsey)

Marylin & Marvin Arrington family (Photo Credit: Thomas Dorsey)

Azira & Jesse Hill with grandchildren (Photo Credit: Thomas Dorsey)

​Fulton Families Free Photo Days

Fulton County Arts & Culture invites Fulton families to have their family portrait taken for free this fall. In celebration of the work of Thomas Dorsey and his exhibition at Southwest Arts Center which showcases photographs of families, they have created events across the six county districts to continue building relationships, sharing stories, and engaging directly with residents. Here are the locations, dates and times for Fulton Families Photo Days events.

​*Note families are asked to RSVP in advance for the location they will visit for their free family portrait. ​

​Fulton County Arts & Culture is celebrating 40 years of creative leadership, improving and enhancing the lives of Fulton County residents and visitors through the arts. Their mission is to ensure all citizens have access to the arts for the passion they inspire, the quality of life they afford, and the economic impact they make in the community. FCAC provides broad access to arts programming including classes and free performances at their six community Arts Centers; generous support for area artists and arts organizations through Contracts for Services arts funding; outreach through their numerous community partnerships; and diverse public art experiences through the Fulton County Public Art Program. For more information visit: fultonarts.org.

Promptly at 8:00, the race starts with runners winding through historic Duluth. At the end of the race, participants receive a complimentary donut and coffee, courtesy of Dunkin Donuts on Buford Hwy, Duluth. The Festival also provides water and energy snacks.

Make plans to join us for “Worship on the Town Green” on Sunday morning with a community worship service beginning at 10 a.m. at the Duluth Town Green. This service will be led by staff, musicians and members of Duluth First United Methodist Church.

​The Duluth Fall Festival provides continuous entertainment during the two days of the Festival at two venues. During the weekend more than 20 acts will perform a variety of music and dance. The Festival Center Stage hosts bands and dance acts, while the Parsons Alley stage hosts smaller bands and acoustic music in an intimate setting. Throughout the Festival, you may run into street performers, such as puppeteers or our Festival scarecrow mascot.

The Duluth Fall Festival Carnival returns this year to host a full-fledged carnival, with a variety of rides and games. Be sure to take a ride on the Ferris wheel, where you can get a bird’s eye view of the continually changing Duluth skyline.

​More than 250+ arts and crafts vendors participate in the Duluth Fall Festival. Vendors offer everything from paintings and photographs, wood crafts, pottery and glassware, furniture, floral arrangements and decorative accessories, baskets, adult and children’s clothing, doll clothes and toys, jewelry, candles, soap and more. All items must be handmade or hand-decorated; no commercial products are allowed.Several of the same Arts & Crafts vendors return to the Festival year after year; When possible, returning vendors are located in the same general area. Most vendors are local or from the southeast. However, with our growing reputation as one of the best festivals in the southeast, we are fortunate enough attract vendors from as far away as Texas and Ohio.

The Duluth Fall Festival has more than 50 booths offering a variety of food and refreshments for breakfast, lunch and dinner. From coffee, lemonade, cream soda, and slushes to breakfast biscuits, kettle corn, hamburgers, hotdogs, gyros, and alligator, there is something to please every palate. And it wouldn’t be complete without sweets, such as snow cones, funnel cakes and candy apples.The Food Vendor committee works hard to ensure that there is a variety of fare to choose from, with as little duplication as possible.

Come see local schools—elementary through high school with different activities, fire trucks, antique cars, local dignitaries, boy scouts, girl scouts, dance classes, sponsors, and clowns! The parade begins Saturday at 10:00 am. Streets close by 9:45 am so come early.

Welcome to Man’s Corner where, you will find the wonderful folks and products geared for men along with LIVE COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAMES in the Football Tent.Man’s Corner is located between the Festival Stage and Duluth City Hall

​Younger kids can find all sorts of amusements to keep busy in Kid’s Korner. Activities include inflatables, slides, and “bounce” houses. Booths nearby will be selling popcorn, funnel cakes, drinks and standard festival fare. Ticket prices vary and are available at each activity.

While exploring the exhibit floor, you can network with industry peers, learn a new skill, refine your technique, and stock up on all salon and professional needs.Join over 30,000 beauty professionals at the nation's largest multicultural beauty event, The Bronner Brothers International Beauty Show. ​​